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A leading Italian consumer association are raising alarms over what they describe as entirely unreasonable cost hikes for lift tickets this cold-weather period, warning that skiing could become a luxury reserved for affluent individuals.

Substantial Price Increases Across Italy

Across the Alpine regions and stunning Dolomite mountains in the northern areas to the ski runs of central Italy, prices are set to rise by up to 40% compared to prices from three years ago, according to recent analysis.

The popular Dolomiti Superski ticket, which grants access to all 12 resorts in the exclusive Dolomites, will now set visitors back €86 per day this season. In the popular Abruzzo resort, a single-day lift ticket is expected to reach €60, following substantial visitor surges during the previous winter.

Seasonal Pass Costs and Additional Expenses

Meanwhile, seasonal ski passes will range from €755 per adult in the Abruzzo region to as much as €1,800 in the Aosta valley.

The expense of hiring winter sports gear has similarly risen, along with lodging costs and dining expenses throughout mountain resorts.

Consumer Group President Cites Unjustified Increases

The consumer association president, heading the watchdog organization, stated that the price increases—which operators blame on increased utility expenses, facility upkeep, and requests for superior gear—were completely unjustified and not acceptable.

"Particularly since inflation in Italy are managed effectively and energy tariffs, which had increased expenses for ski resort operators in 2022, have stabilized at previous levels," he explained.

He added that prices have climbed to points where budget-conscious visitors are being compelled to skip their traditional settimana bianca, or winter vacation, altogether.

Tourism Decline and Wider Perspective

Melluso observed a sharp decline in alpine visitors during the current winter period, with a million fewer domestic visitors hitting the slopes compared to the previous year due to increasing expenses.

Even with these hikes, Italy remains a cheaper option for winter sports fans in the European region compared to nearby Swiss resorts, France, and Austrian locations.

International Event Background

The growing concern over skiing costs comes as the country prepares to host the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics between February 6 and 22. Italy's foreign minister, the foreign affairs official, recently stated that Italy had submitted a proposal to the United Nations urging a "worldwide ceasefire" during the global competition.

"Through the Winter Games we must similarly convey a message of peace and conversation... to halt conflicts during the Olympics," he declared.